Forget Math PhDs – Predictive Analysts Replace Old Roles, Push New Markets
Pre-cognition. It was the basis of Minority Report, an oft-cited sci-fi film that outlined an enlightened era where we can anticipate future actions. But unlike the Tom Cruise flick, predictions in today’s world benefit from the compounded knowledge of Big Data. It’s an important topic discussed in this fifth episode of the Big Data Deep Dive, a joint production of theCube and EMC TV, SiliconAngle CEO John Furrier and Wikibon co-founder Dave Vellante discuss the value of predictive analytics with anchor Richard Schlesinger.
Vellante kicks off the interview by stating that currently, we’re only at the tip of the predictive analytics iceberg. The industry is still figuring out how to “mobilize [data] and take action in an anticipatory way” for the purpose of not only boosting the bottom line, but also making the world a better place.
One outfit in Mexico is leveraging predictive algorithms to map volcano eruptions and construct models that help scientists project when and where civilian populations may be at risk. NASA is leveraging similar technology to gain a better understanding of the cosmos.
At last year’s Hadoop Summit, Chris Mattmann of the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab told Wikibon’s Jeff Kelly that the Square Kilometer Array will generate 1700 terabytes of data a second, and that he and his colleagues have “no idea” how they’ll be able to cope with that amount of information. The space agency is fiddling with Hadoop and other big data tools to try and architect a solution.
Mattmann also detailed how one of his colleagues is developing a way to predict snow melt in the Western U.S. His research is promoting the 10 billion dollar skiing industry in the region, as well as agriculture and a number of other verticals.
Furrier says that technological advancements such as the ones Mattman outlined are abstracting the role of the data scientist. Business analysts are replacing math and physics PhDs in this area thanks to the rapid pace of innovation in this market.
Predictive analytics is one of the most fascinating aspects of today’s Big Data technology. Definitely check out the full segment from this Big Data series below, and catch all 6 episodes here.
photo credit: cali.org via photopin cc
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